Two young girls have been left “devastated” after their horses died when stables in Beckton were gutted in a fire.

Newham Recorder: Flowers left in memory of the dead horses at the sceneFlowers left in memory of the dead horses at the scene (Image: Archant)

Twenty fire fighters tackled the blaze at The Stables at Stansfeld Road on Friday night and prevented it from spreading to nearby stables where up to 30 horses were kept.

Newham Recorder: Flowers left in memory of the dead horses at the sceneFlowers left in memory of the dead horses at the scene (Image: Archant)

But sadly one horse died in the blaze while the other horse, which was seriously burned and deemed to be in such severe pain that it was shot dead by an armed police officer.

Flowers have since been left at the scene for the horses called Pie and Gump. One of the horses is understood to have been a thoroughbred and the other was a cob house.

A witness at the stables said: “The two young girls are devastated. When they came in they were crying their eyes out.

“The fire brigade tried to save the two horses but there was nothing they could do.”

The land is owned by the Royal Docks Trust while Newham Riding School and Association have a long term lease on parts of the land.

It is understood tenants at the stables were facing eviction.

Four fire engines from Plaistow, East Ham and Silvertown stations attended the fire, which started around 11.20pm and was under control at around a quarter past midnight.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A Newham Police spokeswoman said: “Police attended after seeing a building on fire. One horse was killed in the blaze and another had to be destroyed. The fire is being treated as unexplained at this early stage, pending further enquires. No arrests have been made.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact the Violent Crime Unit on 020 8217 5855; or if they wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.